The Braves came into the offseason with a few clear holes to fill, but it’s quickly developed into something much more.
With Max Fried and Charlie Morton potentially leaving, the rotation was always going to be a focal point. Then, it was revealed Spencer Strider wouldn’t be ready for Opening Day. It’s now arguably the club’s top priority.
With A.J. Minter testing free agency, the need for another high leverage reliever existed, but Joe Jimenez’s surgery has now made it a necessity.
The outfield was also a point of emphasis, with Jarred Kelenic struggling and eventually being relegated to a bench role down the stretch last season; however, just like every other facet, the outfield now has to be addressed, with Ronald Acuna Jr. not expected to be ready for Opening Day.
How will Alex Anthopoulos approach the Braves outfield in 2025?
Without any context around Acuna’s timeline, it’s hard to say anything definitive, but assuming he will be back before the All-Star break, I think I have a concept of a plan.
Jarred Kelenic was bad last year. There’s no arguing that. He finished with a .231 average, a .286 on-base percentage, and 133 strikeouts. While he did post a career-high 15 home runs, it wasn’t enough to overlook the other shortcomings. Fortunately for Kelenic, it doesn’t seem like his opportunities have completely disappeared in Atlanta.
“And he’s still a young player. And when we acquired him, the thought was (for him) to hit at the bottom of the lineup. Our offense was so prolific the year earlier that we just wanted him to play good defense and be a contributing bat for us. There were ups and downs, but he’s gonna continue to get opportunities with us,” Anthopoulos said to Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Braves have invested considerable resources in Jarred Kelenic, and though his first season wasn’t exactly inspiring, it seems the club is willing to give him another opportunity. They don’t really have a choice, but there’s a world where they can cover their asses.
To begin the season, if the Braves can find an everyday right fielder to man the corner while Acuna is on the mend, it’ll give Kelenic a couple of months’ worth of starts to prove whether or not he can be a consistent contributor for Atlanta.
Worst-case scenario: Kelenic doesn’t work out, and he is relegated to a bench role, while Acuna assumes right field and the offseason acquisition slots over to left field.
Best-case scenario: Kelenic and the offseason acquisition platoon in left field when Acuna returns
At the very least, the Braves need to add one starting-caliber outfielder.
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David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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